Goncalves presented with Heart Award

Brazil's Paula Cristina Goncalves was presented with her Fed Cup Heart Award at a special ceremony in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday.

Goncalves, who received the most votes for the Americas Zone Group I event in February, was presented with her award by ITF Executive Vice President Juan Margets, who was in Brazil for an Olympic tennis visit.

"I'm very happy with my Fed Cup Heart Award," said Goncalves. "This means a lot, not just to me, but to my team and to my country. Thanks very much for the award and for voting."

The winner of the Heart Award for each Zone Group I event receives a cheque for $1,000 to be donated to a charity of the player's choice. Goncalves elected a Brazilian children's charity.

Goncalves was nominated for her award after winning all five rubbers she played for Brazil as her team narrowly failed to qualify from Americas Zone Group I.

Her four singles wins included a comeback victory from a set down against Sharon Fichman in the promotion play-off against Canada, and she also teamed with Teliana Pereira to win the only doubles rubber she contested.

She is the second player from Brazil to win the award after Maria-Fernanda Alves picked up the prize for the same round in 2010.